Columnist issues blood drive challenge

News from Naselle:

Sports calendar for the Naselle Comet teams this week: Thursday, high school volleyball with Taholah in Naselle at 7 p.m .; Saturday, cross country at Grizzly Invite in Hoquiam, high school football at Taholah at 1 p.m .; Monday, middle school volleyball at Willapa Valley at 5:45 p.m .; Tuesday, high school volleyball at Wishkah at 6 p.m., high school JV volleyball at Warrenton at 6 p.m .; Wednesday, middle school volleyball with South Bend in Naselle at 5:45 p.m. Go Comets!

Westend news:

Have you received your voting pamphlet yet? Now is a good time to read up on the info available with regard to the upcoming election. Next Tuesday you will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of our local candidates as well as the legislative candidates at the Grays River Grange. They will host a candidates forum on October 18 at 7 p.m. in Grays River.

For more information, you can email grange@wwest.net.

The prime rib dinner fundraiser, sponsored by the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park that had been scheduled for Saturday has been rescheduled for November 5, 5-7 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased from Johnson Park Board members Shonda Ware, Denice Blanchard and Kimberly DeJesus. Ticket prices are $15 per adult and $7 for children under 10.

For more information on this event please call Shonda Ware, 465-2722 or the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park, 465-2310.

The Free Saturday Night movie this week is a horror flick for all you shark fans. The 2016 release is rated PG-13. The show starts at 7 p.m. but I am told that you can come a little early for a light movie night supper and as usual popcorn, candy and sodas.

Don’t forget about others during this upcoming holiday season. Check out the latest program sponsored by the West End Food Pantry called “Fill a Feedbag.”

Pick up a bag, and when you do your regular shopping, pick up a few extra items and put it in the bag, then return it to the Food Pantry before November 17 (for the Thanksgiving Holiday) or before December 15 (for the Christmas Baskets). This will help the Food Pantry as they strive to make the holidays a little better for all. The Westend Food Pantry is open on Thursdays, 1-5 p.m., each week.

For more information or to pick up a bag call 465-2312.

Tables are available to rent for this year’s Rosburg Community Club annual Holiday Bazaar. It will be held on Saturday, October 29 in the Rosburg Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are interested in selling items at the bazaar, please contact either Barbara Rose at 465-2234 or Sonja Kruse at 465-2251 for info or for table rentals.

As always, you will be able to enjoy the club’s delicious luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. while you are there shopping and you may also purchase yummy baked goods.

Shop locally for wonderful, unique gifts for family and friends, and maybe even for yourself.

Susan Burkhalter let me know that the next blood drive at the Valley Bible Church will be held on November 3 from 12-6 p.m. Her goal is 60 appointments. That said, I have decided to donate for the first time in my life, and I don’t mind admitting that I am terrified. I understand how important it is to have this life-giving substance available when you or a loved one needs it so desperately.

So, I’m challenging anyone out there who has never donated to come on in and save one or more lives with your generosity. Don’t forget, it’s always a party at the Rosburg blood drives. I’m sure April Zimmerman will have plenty of sliders for everyone to eat and recoup their strength. I’m looking forward to it, even though I’m a scaredy cat.

For more info or to sign up, call Susan Burkhalter at 465-2264.

Carolyn Shepard, a representative with the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) will be available in the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park on Friday, the 21st at 6 p.m. She will have information on Medicare Open Enrollment and Planning for Retirement. SHIBA provides free information on health care coverage and access to that coverage for all of our state residents.

The local office is in Longview and the number is 360 425-3430 ext. #304 if you need questions answered.

This year’s Wellness in Wahkiakum event will be held again this year in the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park on Wednesday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info coming in next week’s column.

The Rosburg Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch meets every week in the Rosburg Hall at noon for a delicious lunch prepared and served by Pat Potter and her volunteers.

On Thursdays, CAP also sponsors a senior meal at the Rosburg Hall.

Happy Birthday to Shawn Matthews, Mary Smith, Braiden Eugene Chandler, Jeff Indermark and Jennifer Penttila. Wishing you all a very special day.

Happy Anniversary to Ron and Jennifer Salme. Here’s to many more celebrations.

It’s been a beautiful couple of days here in our valley but it looks like later in the week things will turn very wet and windy. It’s that time of year though, so it shouldn’t be a surprise. I love Fall.